Been here several times. Cafeteria style. If you are hungry this is a great place to go. I've never been disappointed and their bread/rolls are so yummy and filling. I've had lots here but the whiting is great and the fried chicken. My wife loves their collared greens. If you love southern cooking, check this place out. read more

Second visit here. Getting fried chicken, mac and cheese, and turnip greens. Perfection! Friendly staff and home cooked food

Bailey and Cato's have the best BBQ Ribs in town!!!! Forget these chain BBQ joints and the transplants from Memphis, they do not compare. Their Ribs are smoked, flavorful, tender and meaty! They don't even need to add BBQ sauce. But BBQ Sauce is added, I just never use it. I don't have to say much more, except, try it for yourselves, you'll love them!!! read more

Back up to par for now. Catfish plate, spaghetti, white beans. Best in Town, for now. Attitudes much improved.

I was a loyal customer until a few days ago. I called and simply asked what meats they had, since they vary by day. A man answered. First of all, I was put on hold for 6 minutes until he finished his conversation. After that, he rudely told me that I needed to check the website. I explained that I was driving. He then raised his voice and told me that I needed to come in and see because "We be havin a variety of stuff, so you need to come and see cuz I can't be tellin you." 1.) There's a short distance between the phone and the food; he could have looked and told me. 2.) How is that good business? I know this is a family-run place: Ms. Pat and the other ladies are wonderful. But when the cousin that sounds like he failed 3rd grade rudely turns away guests, it's time to get rid of him. I won't be returning: It's a shame that I'll have to find new people for soul food. Try Cal's: They're always polite. read more

Ate here today for the first time. This is an old hole in the wall type establishment. You know just like growing up and everybody standing in the kitchen waiting their turn to fix their plate. Act like you home here. I read a comment of somebody complaining about somebody attitude. Boy ain't nobody got time for that. They open 12 hours in a hot ass kitchen cooking soulful food with blessed hands. Can you cook like that? Please! You probably went expecting to be treated like you at a 4-star. No boo you ain't getting that here. You mama didn't do it... They ain't either. So next time you come check your "attitude" at the door. I'll be back around new years. Loved it! read more

A coworker would often have lunch here and bring us orders back to the office. I noticed we usually call in and pick up our orders as it had been suggested by other coworkers who eat here regularly. I had never eaten here but, an office coworker suggested we call in the order and she would pick it up. The food was pretty good and reasonably priced so I placed an order. I enjoyed the food so I thought I'd swing by on another occasion when I happen to be in the area. I didn't understand why everyone was so insistent on calling the order in UNTIL I visited the actual place! I try to be understanding and reasonable. Everyone didn't have access to the best of education and service training. And maybe, they were just so used to the customer base that they felt comfortable not extending certain formalities to customers like smiling, being polite or not rolling their eyes when you asked a question. Maybe they have served the same people so much they feel you should already know the menu or how the food is prepared. Maybe that is why it is still in this hovel shack while places with food that isn't half as good seem to prosper well. The servers had the worst attitudes; they could not have been ruder if they tried! And the place was cluttered and looked to have a layer of grime on everything. Like it had been "Spot" cleaned but never properly, thoroughly cleaned in decades. Hello, I see those stains!!! If the cheap food is your priority this is a good place but I won't spend another dime in a place where my presence is an annoyance to the servers. I will not pay to be mistreated for food I can cook better at home or get at another place that has good service. The sad part is the food itself is really good. But, the atmosphere and the bad service are not worth a second trip. read more

I was looking online for a place to get soul food one day and I saw this place on Yelp. People raved about it and said that it was sooooo delicious. I arrived and wondered if I was at the wrong place but it was the right place. My intentions was to eat in but there was no where to really sit in there. There were maybe about 3 tables to sit and I'm not the one for sitting in cramped places. As for the rating, this place was ok for soul food. I had the ribs which were thin when it came down to the meat but the sauce was good I will say, the baked beans were good, mac and cheese was cheesy, dissapointed in the lack of seasoning on greens and the strawberry cake was really good! I ate the cake riding down the road home. Yea, shame on me! I'd give it another shot at a later date maybe even if it is to just drop in for some strawberry cake! A special note: Take cash! In order to use a debit or credit card, you must spend $10. read more

Really wanted to like this place but sorry to say it's just ehhh. It's old style food that's nothing special. Nice people but they gotta step their game up if they wanna compete with all the food options in East Nashville. There's no smoker so the ribs are done in the oven and the sauce is just tricked up store bought stuff. The wings were decent though. read more

First Time Visit..previous media reviews.. 12/02/2018...4.25-4.50 *** overall. SOUL FOOD in Madison, TN..1130 Gallatin Rd. * Meat 'n 2. "Sunday Special" Brown Gravy Meat Loaf 'n 2.. $7.65 ! * Meat Loaf, size of a hogie roll, 1/2 lb.+. 4.25 * * Brown Gravy..4 * * Mashed Potatoes(added more gravy).. 4 * * Candied Yams..4.5 * * Hot Water Cornbread "nuggets(golf ball size)". 4.25 * Fried Chicken..$8.50..EVERY DAY ! Specials EVERY DAY; Smoked Baked Neckbones, Beef Liver 'n Onions, Catfish, Ox Tails, Pigs Feet. * Open, 7 days, 11 AM-9 PM. * TV's for sports ! * Plenty of parking(large mall-like lot). I will return for more selections on other days ! Mr. Bar & Restaurant Reviewer...Personally Financed/Selective. * 20 +- yrs. Fine Wines 'n Food, N. Cal. SF and Oakland Bay areas, Napa, Russian River, Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa, San Jose. read more

Bailey and Cato. Soul Food in a house with a few tables, a food line and 1 register. We went on a sunday after church and so did 12 other people. Meatloaf was the special with two sides. I got the ribs with mac and cheese and sweet yams. Both meals came with sweet rolls. Most folks take the food to go. Other sides were fried corn, mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, greens etc. The food was kind of bland and not flavorful. Tasted sorta like cafeteria food. On Tuesdays you can get neck bones. The health code rating was 91. There is no art or decor in the place. Just salt and pepper shakers and hot sauce. I may give this place another shot...as lots of other people seem to like it. Maybe I just can't appreciate real soul food. Hooray for local business. read more

My first time. Never was able to try their old location. I got the Fried Chicken Breast with mashed potatoes/gravy and green beans. My guy got the Meatloaf with mac n cheese. It was all delicious and the fried cornbread nuggets? would have taken a dozen of those. Everyone was cordial enough I suppose but it def felt a little bit like the soup nazi... read more

Ohhhh, if your grandma kitchen was a restaurant, THIS WILL BE IT!!! This is down home country cooking, OX tail, pig feet, ribs, chicken, catfish, and everything else country you can think off. You can't go wrong no matter what you pick. You can get a solid meal for under $10. PS! You have to the special Corn Bread here, no where else in the world they have corn beard as good as they do here!!! read more

Bailey & Cato's - Rib Plate with White Beans, Yam, and Corn Bread!!! - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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The food is a 5... So good I drive all the way from Brentwood! If I go too long in between visits I start to start to crave the Ribs. However, I ALWAYS have to wait for something... At least 20 minutes mind you! So make sure you aren't in a rush when you visit. The service is a 2 but I admit I put up with the sometime rude interaction for the food. read more

Nothing special about B&C. I really wanted to like it, because I love places that look dumpy but have awesome food. The huge pig painted out front just screams "I could be a hidden BBQ gem". Ribs are ok, mashed potatoes are pretty bad, the oxtail is actually decent, but thats just because oxtail is always good. I really hate cold, mushy hush puppies, so that sort of sucked. All in all, its not terrible, but I'd rather eat most fast food, so it doesn't make the cut above 2 stars. Its also sort of a trek to get out here, so for out of towners with taste buds who are interested in good food, I'd recommend steering clear. If you want to go somewhere and feel like you're getting a glimpse of the Nashville experience, then by all means, head on down. read more

Bailey & Cato is primarily a take away establishment that specialises in southern home style cooking. I had their meatloaf and a number of sides. You can eat in but there is only a couple of tables and becuase their servery area is small, you would have every customer lined up for take away looking at you as you eat. Pros: Serves a purpose for the locals who are on their way home from work looking for a southern home style cooking fix. Reasonably priced and they have special meals of the day. Worth trying if you are in the area and looking for a take away option. Cons: They can be a bit slow serving customers and although their food is nice, B&C did not stand out as a place that offers a true point of difference in a city packed to the rafters with southern style eateries and take away's. read more

Well I drove across town to come to this restaurant the girl serving the food she don't get no prize for customers relations ....she had a very I don't care attitude... But regardless I ordered macaroni and cheese , corn, fried pork chops with turnip greens read more

Bailey & Cato's - Fried pork chops macaroni and cheese turnip green and corn - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Jumped off the plane from L.A. and headed straight here. Pretty much a shack with 5 tables inside and 2 outside. There is a giant menu sign outside listing the daily specials. I went for a two meat order with sides. Quarter dark meat fried chicken had a tasty coating that kept the chicken moist. Ribs were unbelievable. Mr. Bailey Jr. described the smoking process. They use charcoal and put the meat above the other meats. Awesome rub. Turnip greens with a nice hunk of pork in there for taste. Mashed potatoes with brown gravey, corn, mac and cheese and a big Pepsi for under $20 is a bargain. We sat outside and enjoyed the mid 70s weather. Surprised that Jr. came out to check on us and tell us about his family. A comfortable spot that you would never find in southern California. read more

Soul food at its best. Period. If you are looking for prim and proper white tablecloth kind of dining this is not your place. But if you are looking for the best damn soul food in East Nashville this is it! Everything is great - the catfish and hush puppies are the best! Leave room for dessert! Seating and parking is limited so bring your patience :) seriously...the food is worth it! Smile and enjoy the conversation with the locals!! read more

Bailey & Cato's - Chicken and dressing - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Why do you continue to serve the "hardball" hot water cornbread? A simple dinner roll would gladly do but NO....you continue to offer something that no one wants and not even offer a substitute. Once upon a time you did offer dinner rolls as a substitute but I guess it became to costly for you as more customers requested dinner rolls over the infamous "door-stopper" hard water brick-bread. Your food is GREAT. I look forward to picking up a plate or two or THREE on a regular basis. Y'alls Food is like Grandma's...Delicious!!!! But the cornbread golf balls need to get lost in the Ruff Grass, if you know what I mean. If you're not going to offer rolls, just give me a slice or two of sandwich bread. If that somehow is against company policy then just keep the cornbread for the next unsuspecting patron. read more

Disclaimer...I'm a northerner, not familiar with southern cuisine ...so,,,,,, Visiting nashville, found it using yelp... The staff warmly greeted us and took our order...I had the thurs special liver gravy & onions..very good !!!!! Sides were good also.. One of the most low key places I've been.... Just plain old fashioned good food..they do a brisk takeout business... It is the opposite of the yuppie BBQ place across the road.. I want to come back.... read more

I am so happy that Bailey & Cato has reopened, and even closer to me than it was before! Their fried chicken and their smoked ribs are the BEST!! read more

Wonderful soul food prepared by friendly people. Excellent chicken. Very little seating, and kind of odd but we moved a few chairs around and we did eat inside. Interesting to experience this place. read more

Very good and affordable! Peach cobbler to die for! Ribs are cooked to perfection, meatloaf was a bit salty to me but my fiancé loved that and the catfish read more

Bailey & Cato's - Catfish, yams, Mac & cheese DELISH!!! - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Excellent BBQ. Good prices and friendly people working there. I had the short ribs, Mac n cheese, green beans and an extra order of white beans. I had to hold back from ordering more even though I was full. read more

Bailey & Cato's - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Sad news , this place isn't like what it used to be. The staff is rude and unattentive, and I've also noticed a difference in their food. I really wish they'd get it together. The original location was a huge part of my childhood. read more

I've been eating here for years but never got around to a review...my bad. Alas, Bailey and Cato closes at the end of this month as the owners are retiring. If you see this in the next two weeks or so do stop in! Perhaps your an old regular fan like me catching one last taste of that yellow gravy or maybe you have never been here but just love a meat and three (well two in this case but trust me it's still plenty) Its worth getting to before October 30th. The chicken and dressing is the absolute best. I recently waited 45 minutes for them to cook up a new batch and my patience was rewarded. You will also like the catfish or the beef tips. The chicken is pretty solid too but I've always thought a bit pedestrian. I'm not a meatloaf fan myself but my friends are and that always brings them back. There will probably be a line but they move quick as everything is served to go in a Styrofoam three section container by some very nice hosts. Anyways they have sold this location to a developer so I will not be surprised this time next year to be either visiting a new restaurant (probably very fancy and overpriced...) or bemoaning the addition of three or four new tall and skinnies at this spot. It really will be a loss for East Nashville. I was asking several customers recently inside if they had any thoughts on a similar restaurant nearby and nobody could really come up with a place that just does a menu right like this place and is welcoming to everyone. It is rumored the children of the owners are hoping to open their own place up. If they can produce solid comfort food like this i really hope they succeed. read more

I am a fan. On my birthday I didn't want to go anywhere fancy, I wanted to go some place country ass. I wanted real soul food. B & C is family owned and has definitely been there since all those trendy joints opened up on mcgavok and riverside. The parking is a shambles, you're likely to get blocked in as people are coming and going, B & C is mostly a to-go joint. I think the reason Bailey and Cato has a bad rap on yelp is that they don't cater to the folks on yelp looking for that trendy mom & pop joint secret spot. They've been around so long they don't need to please trendoids looking for a speed record and the best fried chicken in the country. They make what they want, how they want, and it pleases their long time foundation of customers without needing more. For anyone looking for something cute and sparkling this is not the place to go. B & C is as rundown and greasy as you're going to get. They need to seriously scrub the windows and walls, and the place feels like it might fall over at any second. As a family restaurant they've got the way they like doing things down. I'd come with cash as they don't take $10 or less on cards, and I'd be prepared to wait in line as they aren't some corporate speed machine giant behind the counter. They won't take orders if you're on a cell phone and you're probably not going to get a smile out of anyone. You want their food you have to wait and fit into the way they do it. We did. I ordered the pulled pork, green beans and mac & cheese. My boy ordered the catfish with yams and greens. They fry the cat fish in big batches on a rotating schedule every 15 minutes or so, so he had to wait for his, but it soon came and we dug in. Now I have to say everything was very good and felt like family made recipes. As in don't expect some ridiculous remix on soul food here. Like I said, there are original recipes gran makes but it's not your gran making them. The yams were stellar, I have no idea what they put in them but I don't think I've tried yams like that before. My pork was perfectly tender and juicy, and I think the sauce they gave me had a hint of either soy or teriyaki don't quote me on that. The catfish was crunchy and moist inside and great with hotsauce. The hush puppies were excellent, sort of like less sweet donuts. Now I'm giving Bailey and Cato only 4 stars because yes I have had soul food that I like more, based on preference...no one has Bludso's in Compton beat yet. But I appreciate B & C, although they could stand to smile at least. I hope they last a long time, and I hope they continue to do it their way. read more

Thanks to yelper Patrick R., who seems to know the down-low on awesome food in Tennessee, me and my LA kids were able to enjoy a bomb-ass first meal in Nashville! Everything from the food to the food was awesome. The service and such is nothing to brag about, but I still couldn't take a star off, because I honestly enjoyed every single moment in Bailey and Cato...even the awkward ones. Right off the bat, the girl behind the counter was rude, and half the time she looked behind us at the TV (which was playing 'Sister, Sister!' ::sidenote:: I have soft spot for that crappy show because in high school, everyone told me I looked like the Mowry sisters!) Anyhow, we got huge portions of food for very, very reasonable prices. And they literally cook the catfish for you as you order it, which I like. I can totally understand that they would have some foods under the heat lamps for practical reasons. So, I really appreciate that they understand where to draw the line between which food go under lamps, and which ones don't. The restaurant is small, clean and just looking at the clientel, you can totally tell that this place is super authentic. Once I have more time, I'll update more about the actual food...but right now...nationals prep is calling my name. read more

learned about Bailey and Cato via seriouseats.com that listed their fried chicken as one of the best in the country. had to check it out. no idea they existed and pleasantly surprised to learn that they are located in E.Nashville. fried chicken plate and 2 sides cost $6.50 (1 star). chicken was season well..not too salty...and was just alright..wish it was made to order vs. sitting under a heat lamp. side of greens and mac and cheese were average. Special of the day was smothered oxtail which the owners provided a sample of...very tender and decent flavor (1 star)...i will go with that the next time if there happens to be a next time. and I guess that is what sums it all up for me..B&C is straight forward meat and 3. nothing out of this world that is going to leave me craving it.... straight forward meat and 3 served at nice prices. read more

Well, I went with 3 other people and one service dog and we decided to leave because they refused to wait on us inside with the dog. No matter how much we explained that by federal law service animals are allowed they were adamant. They said they would take our order outside - so we left. Too bad because the food looked good. read more

Very good place to eat. I know this place has been here for years and I can't complain with the food. You can tell there longevity is caring about what they serve With so many changes with East Nashville it's nice that some of classic places can still thrive. If you are looking for a meat and 3 to take home and avoid going out this is the place to go. read more

i think i'm ready to give this place one more shot. the first time i went, i got the ribs. these ribs were prepared in a way that left the bones mushy. as in, you could bite through them with your teeth. this really soured me on this place, but as i mentioned, i think i'm ready to try again. eric b read more

Tried again for the last time. Bad customer service and the food tastes like middle school cafeteria. I think maybe theyre just cheaping out on ingredients or something to save money? No idea but this is my 3rd time for bad food and rude service. Ill take my business elsewhere. read more

You might get shot, but you'll die happy! The clientele interesting, the building has character, and the service aloof. It is hands down the best southern food I have ever had. The box a few ponds heavy is filled with cabbage, cornbread, fried corn and a meat. I always eat every bite! This is an only about the food place! Just go experience it! FYI they are only open certain days certain times so call ahead, they won't awnser, but you can give it a shot! read more

Souther comfort food like your grandmother made. The country style ribs on Thursday are out of control ...other favorites are the chicken and dressing ... Hold the gravy for me please..... Their spiced potatoes and greens are a great way to round it all off. The only thing you need now is a glass of sweet tea. read more

A classic meat and three joint in Nashville. You can easily miss it like it did since it blends in with the neighborhood homes. But once you're inside, you can smell all the delicious goodness. When I go to a place like this, I can't not get the fried chicken. So that's what I got. Hot, oil bubbling, crispy and salty, this was really good fried chicken. I probably sustained at minimum first-degree burns in my eager attempt to devour this. I will take blame for that. Very good greens as sides. And cheap. Get there early because lines develop pretty quickly and there is really no seating inside. Try it and see for yourself! read more

Best Mac N Cheese, Pork sandwiches, and sweet tea mmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Definitely a good traditional meat and three type place, good Southern cooking. Very simple place but it's cozy, limited dining space but the food is good but could be better if the staff cared more. I love the mom and pop feel to the place. Really good tender ribs, spiced potatoes, and mac and cheese. I've been there twice, the first guy behind the counter was really nice...the second time the girl behind the counter was rude, they were out of mashed potatoes, and they didn't even offer to heat up the peach cobbler, served cold. I will leave it at 3 stars because hopefully she loses the attitude next time. Not sure it's worth trying again, this girl was a bitchy little tart. read more

The food at Bailey and Cato is delicious. I have not tried anything here that I didn't enjoy (I love the catfish on Fridays and Country Ribs on Thursday, the greens and yams are to die for). The reason that I didn't give a higher score is due to the poor service. They lack customer service skills at this place, but I still recommend them for a spectacular meat and three meal, just bring your patience... :-) read more